Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani could be returning to the pitching rotation sooner rather than later, according to the latest projection.

For the first time since Shohei Ohtani put on a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, it finally feels like his return to pitching is close. On Tuesday, Ohtani took a major step in his recovery, throwing a three inning simulated game against minor leaguers at Petco Park ahead of the Dodgers' second game of their series against the San Diego Padres.

While the Dodgers haven't yet issued a timetable on when Ohtani could return to in-game pitching, manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the chances of him doing it before the All-Star break (slated to begin on July 13) are "north of zero."